It’s the Great Toilet Paper Scandal of 2020 and life as we know has seemingly changed overnight.
The Media have sold global fear about COVID19 since it appeared in December 2019. We in Australia, knew it was coming. All we could do was watch. And now finally it is here.
How will this impact the Music Industry in Australia?
Information about COVID-19 changes course each day. Right now, people are still going out to pubs and clubs to watch live music shows.
Scott Morrison announced Feb 28 — “You can go to the concert and you can go out for a Chinese meal,”
As the weeks go by, this directive may change.
So it is wise for artists in the Australian Live Music Scene to look at all the options moving forward and to be prepared.
First things first — look after your immune system. Click here to read Pushworth’s Wellness Guide for Gigging Artists. Pack a Gig Wellness Kit — hand sanitizer, gloves, alcohol wipes, Glen 20 etc. Stay vigilant about cleaning your ALL your equipment = mics, leads, everything after each show and create your own personal Debugging practice for when you get home each night. If you need to fly to a show, click here to read Smart Traveller recommendation.
Second, look at ways to keep your music business going, in the event that the Australians are asked to stay home and avoid large social gatherings.
· Be strict with your personal hygiene practices at your gig. Feature it in your shows. Make up funny songs about Social Distancing. Keep it light. Keep it fun. Being locked up at home gets old real fast. There is no reason why people cant go to a pub to see live music, have a few drinks and keep themselves safe.
· Stay connected to your OWN Local community. If we all stay home, the economy breaks. Stay connected to your local community.
· Promote each gig in your Socials to the local community — get creative with your videos. People are sick of the negative news feed. Offer an alternative to the news. Keep it light. Keep it fun. Its all about staying safe, staying local and staying connected.
· Raise public awareness about Health and Wellness. Advocate for smart show measures. Feature masks, gloves, hand sanitizer or even toilet paper ? in your Show Videos and live on stage. Engage your audience on your Social channels and encourage them to come along to your shows as part of their Health and Wellness practice. Being vigilant to keep each other safe — Bar Staff, Security Staff, Kitchen Staff, Musicians, Audience Members. Make it your USP.
· Create a Local Presence with each show. Involve local businesses and community groups. Connect. Encourage. Create events together. Keeping local business alive is how we all survive the impact of COVID19 together.
· As each larger event is cancelled, (Convention, Sporting Event) focus more of inviting people to your local shows. Leverage off those market sectors in your show promotion.
· Travel bans put Local Artists front and centre to replace Global Acts who cannot enter our country to headline event. This is exactly what happened with the GFC in 2008. Australian Music boomed as a result.
· Develop your own Live Stream events from home. Get creative. Be strategic. Leverage your technology to create show to build your brand while COVID19 is lurking around.
Third, tighten your belt, batten down the hatches, catch up on all the things you haven’t had time for, use your down time wisely for your music business brand. Capitalise on this experience. Diversify your income activities. Explore new possibilities. Investigate alternative avenues of performance. Discover new channels for distribution. What else could you do to earn income in the meantime? Music Lessons over Zoom?
Wherever this takes us, be prepared for change.
With change comes opportunity.
Stay vigilant for your own Mental Health practices.
Stay vigilant with your Finances.
Refuse to take the blue pill.
The Australian Music Industry will survive this.
Nichola Burton